Previews

What will be interesting now is how we set up. It's clear that Arsène wants to see the 4141 through, especially in big games. I assume it is the big games that has instigated this change in the first place but with Arteta and Rambo out, and perhaps even Jack not available from the start I wonder if the players available would suit the 4231 once more

As for the game today, too many people are tipping us to win comfortably for my liking. They've been terrible in recent weeks and this type of fixture is just the kind of fixture the Tottenham manager will use to kick start their season. They will be committed and aggressive for sure so we will have to match that. As for team selection, I reckon that depends on what system Arsène opts for. If we want to press them high up and get behind their back four early then you may have to prepare yourself for Mesut Özil playing on the left in place of Cazorla with Wilshere coming back into the side but if Arsène keeps the 4231 then I reckon Cazorla will start ahead of Wilshere but out on the left, allowing rotation between himself and Mesut.

I have a Diaby theory, hear me out. If Abou Diaby plays as the deepest midfielder rather than his usual box to box then Arsène is grooming away in the hope that he can stay fit. The only possible available spot in our first team would be Arteta's role, right? So gradually bringing him back slowly and playing him as the defensive midfielder when Flamini and potentially Coquelin are on the pitch tells me that Arsène is planning something. If he plays box to box then maybe, just maybe Abou is playing out his final few months with us. We know how much Arsène loves a bit of Abou (and rightly so in my opinion) so I wouldn't be so sure.

We know that Arsène doesn't tend to stray too far away from his starting 11 if fit but when they've played a lot of high energy games in a short space of time he usually always rotates the squad somewhat. I full expect to see that rotation take place this afternoon. We have at least three players who could be considered as first team players who should be as fit and fresh as a fiddle. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla will be hopeful to get a rare start this season. I'd be very surprised if none of those players started today. Personally I'd take Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Özil out of the firing line. It was those two players who were sacrificed when Arsène made his first substitutions in Germany so that might be an indication as to what Arsène might do. Santi Cazorla is higher up Arsène's pecking order than Tomas Rosicky but I think the latter would be a better fit if replacing Rambo. Rosicky is very good at pressing up the pitch and we could do with that today.

Borussia Dortmund have plenty of injury problems of their own which is heartening. Mikel Arteta and Kieran Gibbs will almost certainly come back into the team which will give the side a little more freshness. Freshening up the side is something that the boss will have to carefully consider. Against Manchester City on the weekend, the players gave a lot and it may well be a lot to press in the same

Mikel Arteta will almost certainly come back into the team in place of the erratic Mathieu Flamini. Cazorla, Alexis, Oxlade-Chamberlain and perhaps Mesut Özil are vying for the two wide places while you would assume that Danny Welbeck will start at centre forward. Yaya Sanogo is also in contention after his three goals for the French u21s

With the return of Aaron Ramsey and Arsene's choice to have Wilshere and Aaron either side of a more defensive midfielder it will be interesting to see what Arsene does with Santi Cazorla who was fantastic against Besiktas on Wednesday. Mesut Özil will be wide left and the Ox on the right gives

So let me stop reminiscing of days gone by and let me focus on our Welsh wonder. Let me start off by saying that I think it is quite obvious that Aaron Ramsey is better in central midfield. His partnership with Mesut Özil, his running from deep and his underrated ball winning ability makes him a ...Read more